HOISINGTON — The Hoisington United Way board of directors voted this week to stay in operation.
The board directors had considered joining the United Way of Central Kansas, which handles much of Barton County, due to funding issues.
During the fund drive from Oct.-Dec. 2013, the group raised $14,500 out of a goal of $18,000.
The UWCK would not have funded the Hoisington Historical Society, kid’s wrestling, Toys for Tots, and DARE. For this reason, the board decided they wanted to keep their own organization.
Plus, board members from supported organizations have stepped up, leaving only three slots open.
There were only three board members last fall. They were Gary Dassow, Karen Van Brimmer and Jonathan Mitchell. There are now nine.
In addition to the groups listed above, the organization funds the Hoisington Food Bank, Salvation Army, RSVP, CASA, ElderCare, and Boy and Girl Scouts.
The directors are making plans to hold fundraisers and possibly mailings.
Karen Van Brimmer is the director of the Hoisington United Way and handles the bookkeeping. The three original board members have been volunteering for the group for several years.
“I feel hopeful things will improve,” she said. “The UWCK has offered help if we needed it.”
The group is still accepting contributions.